SD Rock ‘n’ Roll’s Top 5 Songs of 2011

Written by Rick Ostop on December 27, 2011

5. “Alibi” by The Heavy Guilt
A funky Talking Heads-like guitar moves throughout this song, laying down an infectious melody. A groove centric beat with a rich vocal you can feel keeps this song ebbing and flowing with enough emotion to grab you and pull you in. Heard this song live a bunch over the last year. Definitely a crowd favorite.

4. “Dead On The Tracks” by Dead Feather Moon
Some good gut wrenching vocals and some fine bluesy guitar. Some bombastic bottom and a nice break toward the end of the song that gives you a glimpse into the depth of this band’s ability to write engaging original tunes.

3. “Haunted Heart” by Little Hurricane
A bouncing back bone beat by drummer Celeste “CC” Spina gives this song its purpose. Anthony “Tone” Catalano pumps enough sharp guitar and vocals to push it along, and all in all, you’ve got yourself a catchy little blues number.

2. “I Fall In Love Too Fast” by Nena Anderson
Nena Anderson lays down such a smooth caramel vocal that it hooks you in almost instantly. Probably the most radio friendly song of this year’s top tracks, Anderson’s band provides engaging background to fill the song out without taking over its overall feel. Play it a few times and I guarantee you will be humming it all day long.

1. “Everyone’s A Detective” by Roy Ruiz Clayton
The guitar melody intro to this song is laced with such emotion that you could stop the song right there and still be deeply moved. T-Bone Burnett himself (producer to Robert Plant, John Mellencamp, Jacob Dylan, and Los Lobos, to name a few) has even come out and said that this is “one amazingly beautiful song.” I never compare to Dylan, it’s just not fair, but damn if this song doesn’t remind me of Visions of Johanna. This 7 minute track is a true lyrical wonderland, delivered with gripping vocal resonance. Produced by Chris Goldsmith (Blind Boys of Alabama, Chrissie Hynde, Aaron Neville, Shelby Lynne, Charlie Musselwhite, and George Clinton), “Everyone’s A Detective” is the most captivating song I have heard all year.